Dresden Dolls | Work the Dreamy Rock Chick look May 26, 2009

When I was at uni I was introduced to The Dresden Dolls. The pair produce “Brechtian punk cabaret”, loud and dark music with a huge sense of irony. Check them out, they are great and more than a little bit amusing!

Taking concepts such as robots and politics, this dynamic duo invert them, putting the ideas smack bang upside down on their pretty little heads. As an internal activist at uni (by which I mean I thought loudly about the state of affairs, but was rarely a good enough person to do anything about it), this music really was a vent, a chance to look at the world through quirky coloured glasses.

This band have a very distinctive personal style – lots of rock/punk chic combined with geisha style makeup and Alice in Wonderland wild dresses/suits. All in all, they look fabulous and over the top!

If you want to work the “Dresden” look, then here is how to do it!

For him:

Vintage or reproduction is the way to go for this suave but individual men’s look. Pick a theme and stick with it throughout the outfit, whether it is mints/greys as above, or an unusual take on the classic tux.

Start with this brilliant ruffled tuxedo shirt – the detailing is great. Accompany this classic shirt with a vintage pinstripe suit, like this one in a classic indie grey fabric.

The shoes are the pivotal part of the outfit for guys – think dramatic flair and more than a little bit of wonderful weirdness! These two choice are perfect – first up is Irregular choice with the slightly subtle option – but with wild and noticeable soles. Red or Dead are the second choice, with a healthy dose of shoe bling!

The look? Smart and preppie, but with a certain amount of individuality and vintage vibe. Of course the key is a brilliant bowler and lots of makeup. I don’t juts mean a swipe of indie eyeliner, but the whole shebang. Pales cheeks, dark eyes, and sultry plum lips. Strangely attractive, and all the More so if you are blessed with beautiful cheekbones.

For her:

As you haveprobably noticed, Amanda has a very distinctive style. Firstly I need to let you know that this makeup is not for the fainthearted. You need to go all out with very pale skin, dark eyes and tiny lips. White over your lips and reinvent them with tiny bud like decorations- a little lip brush will serve this purpose perfectly.

Once you’ve perfected the face, you need to get the look. Think retro/vintage items that ooze girliness, but then team them with messy hairstyles and coloured tights. Striped ones are even better!

Try this stunning brown dress if you want to keep the outfit neutral- just be sure to dress it up with big hair and stunning shoes. Alternatively go the whole way with this springtime dress from Vivien of Holloway – it gives the perfect girly vibe but with added zing. It also has tons of potential for being turned into a rock chic statement.

 The tights clinch the deal for this outfit (particularly so since Amanda is known for her minimal accessorising). Try the typical striped pair with these luxury knee high socks, or go for softer sexier ruffles with this unusual and stunning pair. Team with simple black Mary Jane’s or a coordinating shoe, and the outfit should be complete!

 And there you have it! How to get the look of a punk chick and a decadent indie lad – all with extensive makeup, and stunning clothes! Go forth, and rock!